Just five levels into Day 1c of the $1,500 Platinum Player Championships, the $500,000 guaranteed prize pool has already been surpassed.
Late registration remains open until the end of Level 9 tonight, plus players still have two more opening flights to join the action on Saturday and Sunday.
Amir Farazmand opened to 2,000 from under the gun, with Martin Stewart calling on the button and Van Mei coming along in the small blind. Scotty Reitsema then slid out a three-bet to 8,600 in the big blind, producing two folds while Mei called.
Mei checked the 7♠Q♠5♣ flop, with Reitsema firing 10,000 into the middle. Mei called to the Q♣ turn, where both players checked.
The dealer turned over the 5♥ river and Mei checked again. Reitsema checked behind, saving some chips as Mei showed 7♣5♠ for a full house.
"Five-seven again," said Nelson Dong, after watching Mei score a knockout with the same hand a short time earlier.
Van Mei opened to 1,200 on the button before Scotty Reitsema three-bet to 5,800 in the small blind. Mitchell Curley came along in the big blind, with Mei calling to the 6♠5♥J♦ flop.
Reitsema checked to Curley, who fired 7,600. Mei called while Reitsema got out of the way.
Curley led out for 11,800 on the 4♦ turn and Mei called again. The dealer turned over the 6♣ river and Curley moved all in for his last 28,600.
Mei took a few minutes before moving chips into the middle. Curley could only show his bluff with A♥Q♦, while Mei revealed 7♠5♦ for two pair to send his opponent to the rail.